H. niger is a rugged plant that blooms here in Connecticut as winter wanes. The pure white blossoms, tinged pink as they mature, are a refreshing sight at that time of year. Please note that it takes a couple of seasons to establish Christmas Roses, and that they need winter protection in windy spots to prevent the evergreen leaves from becoming desiccated.

Helleborus is a European and Asian genus of about 20 species of perennials that bloom in early winter in mild climates and in late winter or early spring where the soil freezes hard, which makes them either the last or the first flowers in the garden. They require a moist but well-drained position under the shade of trees. The soil must be amended with plenty of organic matter.

For more information on the growing and care of Hellebores, click Growing Guide.

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the Shipping Details box for each item. Please refer to the Shipping Details box to determine the earliest shipping time. Unless you specify otherwise, fertilizers, tools, and other non-plant items are shipped with your plants or bulbs. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at custserv@whiteflowerfarm.com. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.

These evergreen plants bring an architectural quality to the shady garden. Most bloom in early winter in mild climates and in late winter or very early spring where the ground freezes hard. Resistant to both deer and voles, they are long-lived and provide exquisite blooms at a time when flowers are a scarce delight.

Light/Watering

Hellebores are at their best in evenly moist well-drained soil in partial shade.

Water well during extended dry periods; they are drought-tolerant once established.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH

Hellebores grow best in soil enriched with copious amounts of organic matter.

The hybrids known as Helleborus x hybridus (previously called Helleborus orientalis) prefer a soil pH close to neutral and even alkaline; add lime if your soil is extremely acid.

The Christmas Rose (H. niger) may be slow to become established; to help it along, try a dose of magnesium in the form of Epsom salts or dolomitic limestone sprinkled around the plants.

Plants will benefit from a light application of granular, balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pests/Diseases

Watch for slug or snail damage, and control with baits or diatomaceous earth.

Companions

Hellebores are lovely with other denizens of light shade such as:

Ferns

Tiarella

Campanula

Alchemilla

Hosta

Phlox divaricata

Pulmonaria

They truly enliven woodland gardens. The larger, more exuberantly colored varieties or double forms are a great addition to the shady border.

Pruning

Although evergreen, the foliage often looks tattered in early spring. Prune back dead and disfigured foliage before new growth appears.

Remove old flower stems when they decline, cutting back to basal foliage, but take care not to remove the stems of Bear’s-foot Hellebore (H. foetidus), because they carry the flower buds formed in the previous growing season.

If seedlings are not desired, remove old flowers before seed is set.

Dividing/Transplanting

Although plants may be slow to settle in, once they do, they rarely need division and may resent it.

End-of-Season Care

Do not prune back now; wait until early spring.

Mulch with salt marsh hay if desired.

Calendar of Care

Early Spring

Apply a light application of balanced or slow-release fertilizer or side-dress with compost and organic amendments when new growth appears.

H. niger may benefit from a side-dressing of Epsom salts or dolomitic lime.

Prune back old foliage to make room for new growth.

Transplant now if desired.

Mid-Spring

Water well if it is unseasonably dry as plants prefer evenly moist soil.

Late Spring

Watch for slug or snail damage and control if necessary.

Remove old flower stems as they decline, and deadhead if seedlings are not desired.

Summer

Pull out any unwanted new seedlings as hybrids may not come true from seed; move desirable species seedlings to permanent locations.

Groom plants by removing yellow or dead leaves.

Fall

Add lime to acid soil for H. x hybridus if a soil test shows a pH under 7.0.

White Flower Farm is a family-owned mail-order nursery located in northwestern Connecticut. Since 1950 we have been providing a wide range of perennials, annuals, bulbs, shrubs, vines, amaryllis, gardening tools & supplies, and gifts for gardeners. We also offer gardening advice and how-to information to gardeners throughout the United States. We invite you to browse our online catalogs, and to join our email list for special offers and useful gardening tips. White Flower Farm&REG; is a registered trademark of White Flower Farm, Inc. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.